2024 Audi S8 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Audi uses the RS (RennSport) badge on its highest-performance models, but the brand's S (Sport) vehicles are hardly slow. In the case of the A8 luxury full-size sedan , the S8 represents the top of the range, combining V-8 power with high-end features. Most recently updated for 2022, the S8 carries over essentially unchanged for 2024. Competitors include the BMW 760i, Lucid Air Grand Touring, and Mercedes-AMG S63 .
For more information on the A8 lineup, check out our page on the2024 Audi A8.
What We Think
If there's one complaint we have about the Audi A8, it's that the car is too smooth and comfortable—that is, it's so numb and disconnected that there's hardly any fun to be had behind the wheel. Fun and feel return in the Audi S8.
This goes beyond the car's potent twin-turbocharged V-8. Upgraded brakes and stickier tires add confidence to exploring the power. Rear-wheel steering works wonders in making the S8 feel smaller than it is, but the steering effort is too light for our liking, albeit appreciably precise. With all the changes, the S8 is far more enjoyable to drive than the A8.
Yet at the same time, it's hardly any less luxurious and comfortable. The S8 enjoys all the same upscale materials and tech as the A8, in an equally spacious cabin. Ride quality is excellent with the available predictive air suspension system, which uses a front-facing camera to scan the road ahead for potential impacts. Taken as a whole, the S8 has a tremendously impressive breadth of capabilities.
What Engine Is in the Audi S8?
While the A8 comes only with a turbocharged V-6, the S8 upgrades to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. This engine makes 563 hp and 590 lb-ft, which is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a performance-tuned version of Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. All that power comes at the detriment of fuel economy: The S8 was rated at 15/32 mpg city/highway in 2023.
2024 Audi S8 0-60-MPH Time
MotorTrend tests acceleration, braking, and handling, among other metrics. According to our instruments, the S8 accelerated from 0 to 60 mpg in just 3.7 seconds, and through the quarter mile in 12.2 seconds at 113.0 mph. Just as impressively, its 60-0-mph braking distance was a short 105 feet, while its all-wheel-drive system helped it stick on the skidpad at 0.95 g average. All these numbers rival those of proper sports cars.
Safety Features
Audi equips the S8 with a handful of driver assist and active safety features, such as front automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, and lane departure warning. Choosing the Executive package adds rear and side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a semi-autonomous parking system.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Limo-like legroom is found in the S8's cabin, but its trunk is slightly small compared to other vehicles in the segment.
Technology
Between a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 8.6-inch climate and comfort touchscreen, there's no shortage of digital real estate in the S8. That's advanced by the standard 360-degree camera. A head-up display and night-vision camera for the driver and rear-seat touchscreen are available. Beyond the standard 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a 23-speaker premium arrangement is available. Unlike the A8, the S8 comes standard with a wireless charging pad. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. However, beginning for 2024 Audi's native navigation, news, streaming, weather, and other in-car productivity apps are available only via a subscription basis after a six-month trial period.
